xtina’s complusions to obsessively knit

Really, I have no excuse other than laziness (and that I dropped my digital camera so I can’t take any new pictures). Luckily, a few things are going my way and not only do I have some content reserved but the lovely Lara has let me borrow her old digital camera until I get mine repaired.

First I made the 5 squares and 2 triangles(motifs); I made them with Cascade 220 but if I did it again I’d use a yarn that’s meant to be dyed. They were really quick; all 7 took the length of a football game.

The motifs bathed in some wool wash mmm… bubbles…

Then they soaked in a vinegar/water mixture

I mixed my colors (sage and brown; I was going for an “earthy” theme) using Wilton frosting dyes and used the straws to paint the motifs

Then the painted motifs steamed in the microwave. I have to say, I was kind of afraid that it was going to blow up but rest assured everything turned out okay

Here’s what they looked like post steam. At this point I was really afraid that it was coming out hideously (and yes, Rebecca, that’s a plastic Hello Kitty plate)

I also had to dye and steam some yarn to attach the motifs together

Once all the yarn dried I put it all together and got this:

Not bad.

I like the over all look of the headband however my color choice ended up looking more camo than earthy. I have some other dyes so I may try again.

All together, a great project (especially for new crocheters like me).

Next time, I’ll feature some pictures of WIPs that are now FOs and this weekend I’ll get some photography under my belt.

I know I promised that after Christmas I would post all my knit Christmas gifts; but what can I say? I’m a liar.

Last night, Lara and I went to see Juno:

Awesome movie, I would highly suggest.

While we were waiting in line to buy tickets I noticed Mr. Boston, (from I ❤ New York) Lee and his twin brother, Mark, who was in my sophomore yearn philosophy class at BC.

Let me tell you, when I first saw him on the show I was very confused; his voice was really high and I totally didn’t remember him sounding like that in class. Turns out: they’re twins. When I got home I pulled some ghetto stalking moves and looked him up on MySpace. It turns out they went to my rival high school.

I’m still on my crotcheting kick and I’ve made myself another hat. To go along with my “I’m so gangsta” hat I’m calling this one:

“I’m so rasta(farian)”

The color is really ugly; old gold, but I kind of like it. The pattern shows a button on the crown in the back. I haven’t decided if I’m going to add one or not.

Here are some obligatory bathroom mirror shots:

I also made this scarf with the same ugly yarn. It’s called “one skein scarf.” Too bad the name is deceiving and I still have more ugly yarn left over.

ANNND, because I need to end ever post on a negative note; I think I’m getting sick.

You may be thinking to yourself, where is x-tina? Did she stop knitting?

No, I haven’t stopped (are you crazy?) but I’m in prime time x-mas knitting and I can’t share any of those projects because most of the recipients read this blog 🙂 You’ll have to wait a few weeks to see what I’m up to.

In the mean time, I’m selling off some of my yarn to pay off the excise tax on my car 😉 so if you’re in the market for some yarn check this out (or here, on Destash*)

So it turns out my crocheting was so bad because I was using a really inelastic cotton. I finished up this really simple black hat and I had a ton of yarn left over so I decided to swatch with it (for this free pattern I got at Michaels):

I started the hat yesterday and finished it up this morning; who knew crochet was so fast?! (apparently, everyone but me)

Here’s a dorky bathroom picture of the finished product:

Let’s see, what else have I been up to?…
-I bought Son of a Stitch n’ Bitch; possible projects to follow
-A stripped cardigan for my goddaughter for x-mas
-A breast cancer awareness scarf for my friend’s mom who just had a double mastectomy two weeks ago. Here’s what it looks like so far:

It looks kind of icky at the moment, but I will block it within an inch of it’s life when I’m done.

I’ll leave you this holiday weekend with this picture; I’m so gangsta:

This week’s trip to NYC was eventful for several reasons 😉 but here is net result knitting-wise:

I worked on the ribbing for Anais and it’s almost complete. Hopefully but the end of the day today I’ll be onto the body and get a better sense of whether or not my “knit in the round” planning will pan out.

While I was in New York I hit up School Products yarn shop. I have to say, I wasn’t overly impressed. Maybe after Purl and The Point everything else is just downhill.

Of course, this didn’t stop me from buying something. One of the nice things about the store is their selection of yarn cones by the pound. I bought some bulky superwash wool for just $12/lb. (for those of you non-knitters, that’s spectacular). I bought 2.98 lbs of a tan and 1.81 lbs of a royal blue.

I’m pissed at myself because I walked right by Habu Textiles on my way there and didn’t even know it. Oh well-I guess this just means I’ll have to go back to the city.

Then yesterday I bought these:

They’re perfect for handknit socks! Now if I could just finish the 2nd sock in a pair…